Southwark launches new Anti-Engine Idling enforcement

31 January 2018

Southwark Council is delighted to announce its latest step towards improving London’s air quality. Cllrs Maisie Anderson, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Social Regeneration, and Ian Wingfield, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Public Realm, joined head teacher Anita Asumadu at Oliver Goldsmith Primary School to mark the launch of the council’s new anti-engine idling enforcement today, 31 January.

Cllr Maisie Anderson said: “Needlessly keeping your engine running pollutes roads, schools and children’s lungs. Asking people to turn off their engine will help create a healthier environment for the children of the borough.

“Drivers will be warned before a fine is issued, but ultimately if they ignore the warning and signs, the parking wardens will have to take action.”

Idling vehicle exhausts choke the air with toxic chemicals like cyanide, NOx and PM2.5 which can lead to asthma, heart disease and lung disease.

From today, council parking enforcement officers will be issuing an £80 Penalty Charge Notice to parked up car, bus, taxi and HGV drivers, who refuse to switch off their engines when asked.

The council has led and encouraged many voluntary anti-idling patrols at known idling hot-spots, to raise driver awareness of the health risks associated with engine idling. They found that most drivers turned off their idling engines willingly, when they were made aware of the implications of keeping them running.

This is the latest measure from Southwark Council’s ambitious Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan, which is part of its longstanding commitment to improve air quality in the borough, with more to come throughout 2018.

The council has also just finished asking residents for their suggestions for locations for electric car charge points, and will begin installing them later this year.

Anita Asumadu, head teacher at Oliver Goldsmith School, said: “Clean air would improve the health of the children at our school and everyone can help.

“The best way to improve your health is to choose to cycle or walk, but another effective way to reduce pollution is by switching off idling engines.”